CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI — Representatives from countries attending the North American European Union Agricultural Conference here Wednesday agreed they must be included in agriculture policy development.
They said they face similar challenges, including policies that don’t reflect reality on their farms, labour shortages, non-tariff trade barriers and increasing demands from consumers who are far removed from the farm.
American Farm Bureau Federation president Zippy Duvall said farmers want the opportunity to feed their families and the world.
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“We want sound policy and a sound playing ground that we can all accomplish that goal,” he said. “Agriculture has no borders and we have no boundaries. If we give our farmers what they need they can produce the food and fibre that this world needs, there is no doubt, but we need for our governments and our people to understand who we are and what we do and why we do it.
“We’re the farmers of the world and we should be proud of that.”
The conference delved into current challenges, trade, and sustainability and innovation and continues Thursday with market and consumer trends and food security.
This is the 40th conference and the first since 2018.
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